Airlines Outraged as French Air Traffic Controller Strikes Leave Passengers Stranded

Ryanair Urges EU Commission President to Act Swiftly on Issue

Background

The low‑cost carrier Ryanair has publicly requested that Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, takes immediate steps to address an urgent matter affecting the airline industry.

Key Points of the Request

• Urgency: Ryanair stresses the time‑sensitive nature of the issue, arguing that delays could have significant repercussions for passengers and operational efficiency.
• Scope: The airline emphasizes the broad impact on EU aviation, citing potential disruptions to flight schedules and passenger services.
• Action Required: Ryanair calls for decisive action from the Commission to mitigate the risks and safeguard the interests of the airline sector.

Implications for the Aviation Sector

Should the Commission respond promptly, Ryanair expects improvements in regulatory clarity and operational stability. Conversely, a delayed response could exacerbate challenges faced by airlines operating across the European market.

French ATC Strike Disrupts Flights on Its Second Day

The strike by French air traffic control (ATC) personnel continued into its second day on Friday, causing widespread delays and cancellations that affect several thousand travelers.

Impact on Airlines During Peak Travel Season

• Airlines nationwide have expressed strong disapproval of the industrial action, emphasizing the inconvenience to passengers.
• Since this period marks one of the peak travel seasons, the disruptions are especially costly and disruptive.

Ryanair Calls for Urgent Intervention

The budget carrier Ryanair has urged the European Commission to intervene promptly. They directed their appeal to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging decisive action to resolve the situation.

Stakeholder Reactions

• Air passengers and industry groups are demanding swift resolutions.
• Industry experts foresee serious operational challenges if the strike continues.

Tens of thousands of passengers affected by French airport strikes

Air Traffic Impacted by French Pilots’ Strike

DGAC Calls for Nationwide Capacity Cuts

In reaction to the recent aviation strike, the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has requested a significant reduction in airport capacity across the entire country.

Airlines for Europe Reveals Flight Cancellations

The Airlines for Europe (A4E) disclosed on Thursday that a total of 1,500 flights were cancelled on the 3rd and 4th of July, which disrupted more than 300,000 passengers.

Ryanair Reports Massive Disruptions

Late on Thursday, Ryanair announced it had to cancel 400 flights scheduled for Thursday and Friday. These cancellations included routes over France to the UK, Spain, Greece, and Ireland, potentially affecting 70,000 travelers.

Easyjet Adds to the Count

Easyjet reported a cancellation of 274 flights amid the ongoing walkout.

Ryanair says European families are ‘held to ransom’ by strikes

Air Traffic Disruptions Amid French Airport Strike on Summer Holiday Peak

Background of the Striking Event

France’s aviation authorities (DGAC) report that the scheduled strike coincides with the highest traffic period of the year. Many travellers are expected to depart for summer holidays, making the shutdown a critical period for flight operations.

Ryanair’s Response

CEO Michael O’Leary condemned the action, describing it as a “ransom” on European families relying on French air routes. He pointed out that the strike is not limited to domestic traffic; overflight routes across French airspace are also affected, causing cancellations and delays for passengers whose destinations lie outside France.

O’Leary’s remarks underscore the perceived unfairness to EU passengers: “It is unacceptable for overflights to be cancelled or delayed due to another French ATC strike. EU holidaymakers should not suffer these repeated disruptions.”

Call for Regulatory Reform

The airline urges Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Commission president, to act promptly. Ryanair suggests two reforms:

• Ensuring adequate staffing for the first daily departure wave during any strike.
• Implementing protection for overflight flights during national ATC strikes.

According to Ryanair, these measures would erase approximately 90% of ATC-related delays and cancellations, safeguarding EU travellers from avoidable disruption.

Airline association calls strikes ‘intolerable’

French Air Traffic Control Strike Shakes European Aviation

Airlines for Europe (A4E) has filed a formal complaint over the havoc wreaked by the ongoing French ATC strike. The association points out that tens of thousands of travellers across France and Europe have had their holiday plans derailed as flight controllers refuse to work.

Persistent ATC Issues in 2025

According to A4E, the strain in French air traffic management was already evident in 2025. French ATC has been highlighted as one of the weakest links in the European network, recording some of the worst delay statistics across the continent. In June, ATC‑related delays surged by 115 % compared to the same month in 2024.

Calls for Action from European Transport Commissioner

A4E urges the European Transport Commissioner, Tzitzikostas, to press member states to rectify these shortcomings. The group emphasises that it’s time to stop deflecting responsibility and implement concrete solutions.

Proposed Measures to Safeguard Passengers

• Mandatory arbitration before ATC unions can resort to strikes.
• Delivery of strike notices at least 21 days in advance.
• Individual participation notifications for industrial action a minimum of 72 hours prior.
• Protection of overflying routes, ensuring that it does not compromise departures and arrivals in the country where the strike originates.
• Right to redress against Air Navigation Service Providers for disruptions caused.

Statement from A4E’s Managing Director

Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E, declared: “This strike is unacceptable. French ATC is already among the worst performers in Europe, and the actions of a minority of workers are unnecessarily disturbing the holiday plans of thousands of passengers in France and beyond.” She added that passenger rights are under intense scrutiny in the EU but policymakers have done little to address ATC deficiencies that hinder reliable transport.

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For further details and updates, visit: Airlines for Europe (A4E) website